**Ukraine Unveils Its Cutting-Edge Magura Naval Drones**
For the first time, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has publicly presented its advanced Magura naval drones. These drones have played a crucial role in turning the tide of war in the Black Sea, with HUR’s Group 13 successfully hitting 17 Russian targets, including warships and fighter jets.
The Magura drones come in several variants, including the “ship-killer” V5, the V7 capable of carrying machine guns or anti-air missiles, and the multi-platform V6P. These cutting-edge drones have been instrumental in Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russia’s naval power.
According to reports, by 2024, Ukraine had managed to destroy or disable one-third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet using drone and missile campaigns, despite Moscow’s significant advantage in sheer naval power. The quieting down of hostilities in the Black Sea can be attributed to Ukraine’s successful use of these drones, as well as Russia moving most of its naval assets from occupied Crimea further east.
**Ukraine-Turkey Talks Underway**
As Ukraine showcased its advanced drone capabilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to hold talks with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Ankara on May 15. The meeting marks an important step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to send junior aides for peace talks with Ukraine has been met with skepticism by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who described it as a “slap in the face.” U.S. President Donald Trump has also announced that he might still attend the potential Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations on May 16 if there is progress toward a deal.
**Ukraine’s Air Force Strikes Back**
In a separate operation, Ukrainian forces have downed 62 out of the 100 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russia overnight. The strike was carried out in Russia’s Smolensk Oblast to disrupt arms and equipment shipments to Russian forces stationed at Ukraine’s northeastern border.
**NATO Secretary General Sees a Window of Opportunity**
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed optimism that there is a window of opportunity this week, but also in the next 10 days, two weeks, to really bring the whole issue of Ukraine to a better place. The comments come as Russia prepares for peace talks with Ukraine.
**Key Developments**
* President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan begins on May 15.
* Russian President Vladimir Putin will not visit Istanbul for a meeting with President Zelensky on May 15.
* U.S. President Donald Trump might still attend the potential Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations on May 16 if there is progress toward a deal.
* Ukrainian forces downed 62 out of the 100 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russia overnight.
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